I have an older (1986) fiberglass tracker 1800TF with a Johnson 110hp motor. The hull is in great shape nice gel coat and upgraded lowrance 520c. The motor just took a [censored] (low compression on right side)and I am trying to decide whether to rebuild it or find a used motor for it or selling what I got and buying something else. I bought a new trailer last year so I have a nice trailer and a nice hull. What would you do?

I don't know any local repair guys that I can trust and warranty their work.

if you rebuild,how long will it last?............if you buy used you are buying other peoples problems.

Check the head gasket. That's all mine was. $20 and an hour of labor.

yeah, pull the head for inspection -- if it's just a head gasket, no problem.

If so, do your best to diagnose and correct the cause, or else it's destined to happen again. Water pump and thermostat are the most likely suspects. Also test the overtemp circuits (one on each head).

On the other hand, have you priced used outboard parts on ebay lately? You might be able to recover a big portion of the cost of a used motor. Find a compatible powerhead with a seized gearbox, you're halfway there.

could be a stuck ring too

Fixed right. Should run another twenty years. Like they say, could be a stuck ring or a bad head gasket. Might be an easy fix.

What would I do?

I'd tear into the motor and find out what was wrong. And then make a decision. But that might not be just anyone's cup of tea. I'm kinda crazy that way, LOL.

If I found that what I had was rebuildable, I'd be buying some parts, and having the machine work done (if necessary), then re-assemble myself. And I'd walk away for a fraction of the cost of having a "professional" do the work.

Yes, there are times when the pro's need to get involved. but as long as I'm in my comfort zone, I'm doing it myself. I was just raised that way.

You asked what we would do?

If any of this is out of your comfort zone, consult a pro and have them give an estimate for repairs. There are a few here that would get first crack at it if I was so inclined. After that, make the big decision.

Jay

2nd pulling the head to see whats wrong first. Then if its not the head gasket, I would rebuild.

REBUILD THAT SUCKER, ITS NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK